The 21-year-old has been used primarily as back-up this term by Stuart McCall, but with his deal up this summer, McHugh is keen for a chance to prove his worth.

He has watched others, like Steve Lawless and Ross Forbes, head out the door after failing to make the breakthrough at Fir Park and do well elsewhere, but McHugh believes he has what it takes to make the grade with the Steelmen.

He said: "I have been with Motherwell for just under 10 years.

"I came here as a kid and have worked my way up through the ranks and my first choice would be to do enough to get a new deal and to stay.

"I can't have too many complaints because the guys in front of me have been doing well and they have been pretty consistent.

"But it is up to me to try and catch the manager's eye and, if I do get a chance, be ready to take it. I've been doing extra work in training and really just giving my all as I try and push my way in.

"It does get frustrating but the bottom line is that I think if I could get a wee run of games under my belt then I could give the gaffer something to think about."

The Fir Park club host County tomorrow as they seek to put losing a last-gasp goal at Pittodrie in last Saturday's William Hill Scottish Cup tie out of their minds.

The game is the beginning of a busy period of matches for Well who will have a replay with the Dons on Tuesday before the festive calendar comes into focus.

And it is over the next few weeks that McHugh will look to make his breakthrough.

"There are a good few games coming up and it is then that you look to the manager to make a few changes," he said.

"It can be hard to go straight in and make an impression if you are not playing every week because it is by playing games that you find sharpness, especially for a striker.

"But with games you also get injuries and suspensions, too. I'd never want to see anyone out, but if it happens then you know you have to be ready to go in there and do a job.

"That is why I have been trying to do a wee bit extra and just keep working away on a couple of things.

"I haven't spoken to the manager about my contract and, to be honest, I just want to do my talking on the park."

County held Motherwell to a scoreless draw when the teams met back in August, and McHugh believes they will be equally stubborn opponents tomorrow.

"I think they have made a few people sit up and take notice of them this season because they have acquitted themselves will," he said.

"They are a good team who are always organised and can hurt you.

"The lads are gutted about the way we conceded late on at Pittodrie and I think everyone is itching to get going.

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